Osama Hamim
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/856547670″ hide_video_title=”1″][us_separator size=”small”][vc_column_text]Phil, Al, and Jase Robertson discuss the significance of adhering to one’s Christian faith, using the Book of Hebrews Chapter twelve as a foundation. They highlight the rejuvenation and insights gained from studying the Bible, the infallible nature of God’s promises, the transformation ushered in by Jesus’s sacrifice, and the need to balance blessings with responsibilities. The discussion underscores the value of spiritual growth, emphasizing the essence of Hebrews, which calls for maturity in faith. They also delve into life’s challenges, comparing them to weightlifting, demonstrating that hardships are divine blessings meant to strengthen our faith. The narrative stresses the importance of understanding personal sins versus those caused by others, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ in one’s life.
Further, the Robertson’s share concerns about potential improprieties within their successful ministry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in relationships, especially when perception can be as damaging as action. They advocate for vigilance against temptations, using real-life examples and metaphors to underscore the dangers and the need for maintaining spiritual integrity. Through personal anecdotes, they shed light on the challenges of public scrutiny, the essence of staying true in relationships, and the gravity of sin. Conclusively, they reaffirm the importance of centering life around Jesus’s teachings, drawing strength from His sacrifice, and maintaining unwavering faith amidst life’s tribulations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ult_tab_element tab_style=”Style_6″ tab_animation=”Slide-Horizontal” tab_title_color=”#333333″ tab_background_color=”#42baff” tab_hover_title_color=”#999999″ tab_hover_background_color=”#e8e8e8″ acttab_title=”#1b98e0″ acttab_background=”#ffffff” tabs_border_radius=”0″ font_icons_position=”Left” icon_size=”18″ icon_color=”#1a1a1a” icon_hover_color=”#999999″ act_icon_color=”#1b98e0″ tab_describe_color=”#1a1a1a” enable_bg_color=”#ffffff” title_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” title_font_size=”desktop:18px;”][single_tab icon=”Defaults-pencil” title=”NOTES” tab_id=”1570475809108-3b50a-330c”][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/single_tab][single_tab icon=”Defaults-book” title=”BIBLE” tab_id=”1570475809180-0b50a-330c”][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwaWQlM0QlMjJpZnJhbWVCaWJsZSUyMiUyMGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyJTNEJTIyMSUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjY1MCUyMiUyMHdpZHRoJTNEJTIyNTAwJTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYmlibGUuY29tJTJGYmlibGUlMkYxMiUyRmpobi4xLmFzdiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUwQSUwQSUyMA==[/vc_raw_html][/single_tab][single_tab icon=”Defaults-dollar usd” title=”GIVING” tab_id=”1570476095369-2-10b50a-330c”][us_separator][us_image image=”11446″ align=”center” size=”full” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fpushpay.com%2Fg%2Fgreglancaster%3Fsrc%3Dhpp|target:_blank” onclick=”custom_link”][us_separator][/single_tab][/ult_tab_element][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Standing Strong in Faith: Overcoming Obstacles on the Path of Obedience
Introduction:
The journey of faith is a profound one, characterized by moments of unwavering commitment to God’s calling. However, this journey is not without its share of challenges. The passage in Ezra 8:21-9:15 encapsulates this dynamic, reflecting the act of standing up for God and the subsequent hurdles encountered while walking in obedience. In this article, we will explore this passage and draw insights from it, highlighting the theme of unwavering faith and dependence on God amid obstacles.
Proclaiming and Walking:
Ezra’s journey begins with a proclamation by the Ahava Canal. He calls for a fast, an act of humility, seeking God’s favor for a safe journey for themselves, their children, and their possessions. This act of faith reflects their commitment to rely on God’s guidance and protection as they embark on their journey.
The Temptation to Rely on the World:
As the journey unfolds, a challenge emerges. Despite their proclamation of God’s power, Ezra hesitates to seek help from the king’s soldiers and horsemen for protection. This hesitation exposes the tension between faith and worldly solutions, a struggle familiar to many who stand strong in faith but are then tempted to rely on human intervention.
Turning to God in Humility:
Facing this struggle, Ezra chooses the path of humility and dependence. He and his companions fast and petition God, recognizing the need to align their actions with their faith. Their humble seeking of God’s intervention reflects their acknowledgment that true help comes from above.
Sacred Responsibilities and Transparency:
Ezra’s journey is laden with responsibility—the transportation of offerings for the house of God. This responsibility is carried out with meticulous care, as each offering is weighed and recorded. This act of transparency and dedication underscores their commitment to honoring God’s commandments.
Related:
- “Never Outgrow Humility,” Charles Simpson
- What God Expects of Us: Humility
- Humility is the Key to Empathizing with Others who are not like Us
- Prophetic Word: We Have A Choice- Humility or Humiliation, by James Robinson
Divine Protection and Guiding Hands:
On their journey, God’s protection becomes evident. Enemies and bandits are thwarted, a testament to the divine presence that safeguards those who walk in obedience. This experience reinforces the truth that when we rely on God and His guidance, He will protect and guide us even in the face of challenges.
Completing the Journey with Devotion:
Arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra and his companions fulfill their mission with reverence. They present their offerings as an act of devotion and gratitude, demonstrating the culmination of their journey of faith. This act symbolizes the alignment of their hearts and actions with God’s will.
Conclusion:
Ezra’s journey, as depicted in the passage, resonates deeply with the struggles and triumphs of those who stand strong in faith. The journey from proclamation to obedience is marked by challenges that test our dependence on God. Yet, by embracing humility, seeking divine intervention, and trusting in God’s protection, we can navigate these challenges with unwavering faith. Just as Ezra’s journey led to divine favor, protection, and the fulfillment of their mission, our journey of faith can lead us to experience God’s provision and guidance in remarkable ways.
7 Things We Learned:
- Unwavering Faith in Action: The story of Ezra exemplifies the power of unwavering faith in action, where proclamation is followed by practical steps of obedience and dependence on God.
- Temptation to Rely on the World: Even those committed to God’s path may face the temptation to rely on worldly solutions. This struggle highlights the tension between faith and the human desire for tangible solutions.
- Humility as a Key Virtue: Ezra’s choice to fast and seek God’s guidance showcases the importance of humility in seeking divine intervention and aligning one’s actions with faith.
- Transparency and Responsibility: The meticulous handling of offerings emphasizes the significance of transparency and responsibility in carrying out sacred tasks.
- Divine Protection and Guidance: The journey’s protection from enemies and bandits underscores the reality of divine protection for those who walk in obedience and dependence on God.
- Completion Through Devotion: The journey’s culmination in Jerusalem symbolizes the fulfillment of a faithful journey, reflecting the alignment of heart and actions with God’s purpose.
- Proclamation and Obedience: The story illustrates that standing up for God is only a starting point; the true essence lies in the journey of obedience, overcoming challenges through faith and dependence.
Scripture read for this article was Ezra 8:21-9:15 (NIV)
Unlocking Divine Favor: Lessons from Ezra and Nehemiah on Acting When God’s Hand is Upon You
Introduction:
In the sacred texts of Ezra 7:1-8:20 and Nehemiah 2, we encounter profound insights into the dynamics of divine favor and its manifestation through action. These passages reveal a timeless truth: when the hand of God is upon your life, exceptional favor becomes accessible. However, this favor is not passive; it demands action. The narratives of Ezra and Nehemiah underscore the importance of stepping out in faith and requesting God’s will, which, in turn, leads to the fulfillment of remarkable requests that would otherwise seem implausible.
The Hand of God and Unseen Favor:
Ezra 8:18 and Nehemiah 2:7 illuminate the concept of the “gracious hand of God.” Ezra, a capable man, and Nehemiah, a determined servant, both recognized the presence of God’s hand upon them. This awareness propelled them to make bold requests, well beyond ordinary boundaries. Their faith wasn’t just about acknowledging divine favor; it was about actively pursuing it through their actions.
Complete Faith:
With Ezra and Nehemiah, we encounter a resounding affirmation that faith without action is merely a hollow belief. James 2:14-26 underscores the essential link between faith and works, illustrating that authentic faith is never passive. The example of Abraham serves as a poignant reminder: he believed in God’s promise, but his actions were the tangible evidence of that belief. Abraham’s faith was brought to fruition through his willingness to act upon it. This concept of “complete faith” stands as a testament to the inseparable relationship between belief and action. True faith isn’t confined to the realm of thought; it propels us to action, aligning our deeds with our convictions. Just as Abraham’s faith was deemed complete through his responsive obedience, our faith finds its fullest expression when it is accompanied by purposeful works. If you want to move God, have faith in what He says, and step into it like Ezra, Nehemiah, and yes, Abraham, the father of faith himself.
Related:
- Faith is to stop believing what you see and to start seeing what you believe, Kathryn Kuhlman
- Faith Takes One more Step
- Triumphing Through Faith: A Mother’s Unwavering Trust in God’s Miracles
- Do You Want Faith? John Newlin
- Just a Mustard Seed of Faith is all you need
- Be Brave! We must be courageous for the sake of our people and our God
Acting Upon God’s Favor:
Ezra 8:22 reminds us that God’s favor is not arbitrary; it’s available to those who earnestly seek Him. Yet, it is not enough to recognize His favor; Ezra 8:31 demonstrates that God’s hand actively protects and guides those who act upon it. In a world fraught with challenges and adversaries, it is those who step out in faith, emboldened by divine favor, who are shielded and guided on their journey.
Aligning Desires with God’s Will:
James 4:3 cautions against selfish motives in prayer. Both Ezra and Nehemiah understood the significance of praying in alignment with God’s desires. Their requests weren’t self-serving; they were deeply rooted in God’s purpose. Their humility, as exemplified in James 4:6, played a pivotal role. Humbly acknowledging their dependency on God and respecting others, they sought not their own agendas, but rather God’s will to be fulfilled through their actions.
Prophetic Action and Rebuilding:
Ezra and Nehemiah weren’t merely asking for personal gain. They desired the rebuilding of the broken walls and the temple—a manifestation of God’s glory and redemption. Their requests were prophetic, rooted in God’s intentions for restoration. Their faith-infused action, combined with their obedience, became instruments for God’s redemptive plan to unfold.
Conclusion:
The narratives of Ezra and Nehemiah serve as a beacon of guidance for believers today. They reveal that divine favor is not passive; it requires proactive steps of faith. By seeking God’s will, praying with humility, and aligning their desires with His purpose, Ezra and Nehemiah demonstrated the potency of acting upon God’s hand. Their stories inspire us to step out in faith, to request what seems impossible, and to usher in God’s plans through our obedience.
7 Things We Learned:
- Divine Favor Requires Action: The narratives of Ezra and Nehemiah emphasize that divine favor is not a passive gift but a dynamic force that requires action on our part. Recognizing God’s favor is the first step, but it’s through our deliberate actions that we truly tap into its potential.
- Faith and Works are Inseparable: Faith isn’t just a mental exercise; it’s intrinsically linked to our actions. Just as Abraham’s faith was made complete through his obedience, our faith finds its true expression when we act in alignment with our beliefs.
- Courage is Key: Both Ezra and Nehemiah exemplified courage in the face of adversity. Their actions were driven by their unwavering commitment to God’s purpose, inspiring us to be brave and resolute in our endeavors for God’s glory.
- Seeking God’s Will: Aligning our desires with God’s will is essential. Just as Ezra and Nehemiah prayed in humility, recognizing their dependency on God’s wisdom, we should approach our endeavors with a heart willing to submit to His purpose.
- Prophetic Vision: The requests of Ezra and Nehemiah extended beyond personal gain. Their visionary prayers were rooted in God’s redemptive plan. Similarly, we should seek actions that align with God’s greater purpose and contribute to the restoration of His kingdom.
- Humility in Action: Both leaders demonstrated humility by prioritizing God’s agenda over their own. Their actions were characterized by humility and a recognition of their role in God’s larger plan.
- Protection in Obedience: Acting upon God’s favor doesn’t mean challenges won’t arise. However, as seen in Ezra 8:31, God’s hand protects and guides those who step out in faith. Obedience brings divine covering and guidance, even in the midst of difficulties.
Introduction:
The story of David and Abigail can be found in the First Book of Samuel, chapter 25. It is a moment in history where we can learn from the conflict, wisdom, and redemption that highlights the providence of God in David’s life.
The Encounter with Nabal:
David, the anointed future king of Israel, was on the run from King Saul. While in the wilderness, he and his men provided protection to the shepherds and flocks of a wealthy man named Nabal. When it was time to shear the sheep, David requested provisions from Nabal as a gesture of gratitude. However, Nabal rudely refused, leading David to plan revenge against him and his household.
Abigail’s Intervention:
Upon hearing of her husband’s refusal, Abigail, Nabal’s intelligent and wise wife, took swift action. She gathered a substantial amount of food and supplies and went to meet David on the way. Falling at his feet, she pleaded for mercy and acknowledged her husband’s foolishness. Abigail’s humility and wisdom moved David, preventing him from committing a grave mistake.
Averted Disaster:
Accepting Abigail’s gifts and counsel, David spared Nabal’s household, acknowledging the providence of God in the situation. Abigail’s intervention saved David from shedding innocent blood, and her actions demonstrated the importance of wisdom in resolving conflicts.
Nabal’s Demise:
When Abigail returned home, she found Nabal feasting and drunk. Choosing not to tell him about her encounter until morning, Nabal’s heart failed him upon learning the truth. Around ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal, and he died, highlighting the consequences of his foolishness.
Related:
- Nurturing a God-Centered Marriage: Overcoming Challenges, Pastor’s Marriage, Dangers of Pornography, A.I. push of the god Baal, Pursuing Faithfulness, and Finding True Happiness
- Francis Chan: Don’t Focus on Marriage, Focus on the PURPOSE of Marriage: Making Disciples
- Moral Failure, Spiritual Burnout, Contention In Churches, Divorced Marriages, Discouraged, Not Trained For Job, Not One Solid Personal Realation, Underpaid, They Want Out…And That Is Just The Begining Of What This Survey Of Pastors And Their Families Reveals. We Need To Help Those Who Have Laid Their Lives Down To Help Us!
- When You Are Facing Impossible Odds, Discover How to Get Victory
- Triumphing Through Faith: A Mother’s Unwavering Trust in God’s Miracles
Out of Order: Navigating Divine Hierarchy Amidst Turmoil
Scripture firmly establishes the divine order within marriage and family. It enlightens us about the call to submit to those whom God has anointed to lead His church (Hebrews 13:17), individuals He has appointed for specific roles (Ephesians 4:11-13). This hierarchical structure extends to the intricate fabric of marital dynamics, where the husband assumes the role of the head, mirroring Christ’s leadership in the church, and children are encouraged to yield to their parents. However, what course of action should be taken when those who are expected to abide by God’s order find themselves adrift?
Such was the predicament faced by Nabal and Abigail. Here, Abigail became entangled between two authorities: one egregiously deviating from the prescribed order – her husband – and the other, David, perilously close to straying from his path by seeking to annihilate Nabal and his possessions. This reiterates the significance of Abigail’s sagacity as she discreetly orchestrated the arrangement of supplies for David and his men, who had dutifully cared for Nabal’s sheep. With swift resolve, she presented these provisions to David, preventing the unnecessary spilling of innocent blood and safeguarding her family from impending ruin. Remarkably, Abigail abstained from pressuring her husband into compliance or condemning David’s intentions. Instead, she pursued righteousness even in the face of her husband’s reluctance.
This judicious act not only salvaged the lives of all involved, including Nabal, her spouse, and their familial interests, but also exposed Nabal’s conceit, leading to his unexpected demise when the realization of impending destruction overwhelmed him at the dinner table.
Abigail’s discernment illuminated a path when God’s ordained order seemed to falter.
David and Abigail’s Marriage:
Recognizing Abigail’s wisdom and virtue, David sought to take her as his wife. After Nabal’s death, he sent messengers to propose marriage to her, and she accepted. This union brought David not only a godly wife but also had implications for his future reign as king.
Conclusion:
The story of David and Abigail showcases the importance of wisdom and humility in navigating conflicts and making decisions. It also emphasizes God’s providential care in orchestrating events to achieve His purposes. Through Abigail’s intervention, disaster was averted, and David’s path was redirected towards God’s plan for his life.
7 Things We Learned:
- Wisdom in Conflict Resolution: The story of David and Abigail underscores the power of wisdom in resolving conflicts. Abigail’s quick thinking and humility prevented a potentially violent confrontation and showcased the effectiveness of wisdom in diffusing tense situations.
- Importance of Humility: Abigail’s humility was a pivotal factor in her successful intervention. Her ability to approach David with respect and humility softened his heart, preventing him from acting rashly.
- Divine Providence: The story highlights God’s providential care over His people. Abigail’s timely intervention, the consequences faced by Nabal, and the subsequent marriage of David and Abigail all point to a higher purpose being orchestrated by God.
- Navigating Authority and Order: Abigail’s situation illustrates the complexity of navigating conflicting authorities and maintaining God’s established order. Her wisdom guided her to uphold righteousness even when those in authority were straying from their roles.
- Preventing Unnecessary Conflict: Abigail’s actions saved lives by preventing unnecessary bloodshed. Her ability to see the bigger picture and act accordingly showcases the significance of considering long-term consequences in decision-making.
- Redemption and Second Chances: Nabal’s demise serves as a reminder that even in the face of one’s foolishness, there can be opportunities for redemption and second chances. It also illustrates the consequences that can arise from arrogance and defiance.
- Influence of Godly Partners: Abigail’s role in David’s life went beyond the immediate conflict resolution. Her wisdom and character left a lasting impact, leading to her becoming David’s wife. This union not only blessed David personally but also played a role in his future as a king.